I was reading an article in Forbes last week (look at me doing lots of grown up research for you all!), and it confirmed something we humourologists have been saying for ages: humour isn’t just nice to have in leadership – it’s vital.
The piece pointed to a growing body of research showing that CEOs who use humour aren’t simply more likeable – they’re more effective. Apparently, a bit of laughter can lubricate communication, reduce stress and boost productivity. Who knew that cracking a joke could be classed as strategic leadership?
Seriously… Laugh
Boardrooms can be stifling places. Tensions run high. PowerPoints run long. But a well-placed laugh can clear the air faster than a scented candle in a windowless loo. Professor Carla Henderson put it well in the article:
“Humour isn’t fluff – it’s an immune system for the boardroom.”
Let’s face it—if your meetings are terminally dull, maybe they’re not dying for data… maybe they’re just dying for a laugh.
The Humourology of Leadership
This is not a call for punchlines and pratfalls. This is a call for presence, playfulness and personality. Humourology, after all, is the art of knowing when to drop the shoulders, loosen the tie and actually connect with your colleagues. We’re not asking you to be the next Jack Dee. We’re asking you to show some humanity.
I was also reminded of something Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television, shared on The Humourology Podcast
“My job is to dust people down after they’ve collapsed in a heap when things go wrong… and a lot of that is about using humour.”
It’s a perfect snapshot of humour’s role—not just to lighten the moment, but to rebuild morale and resilience when the heat is on.
Three Humourology Boardroom Hacks
- Start human
Ditch the ice-cold openers. Try: “Apologies for the state of me—I lost a fight with the coffee machine this morning. It’s now the proud owner of my tie.” Instant levity, instant likability. - Pause for the laugh
Don’t steamroll over the giggle. If something funny lands, let it breathe. That’s where attention sharpens and tension softens. - Turn failure into folklore
When things go pear-shaped, don’t pretend it didn’t happen—frame it with flair. “Remember our product launch where we forgot to test it on the company Wi-Fi? Nothing builds team resilience like pitching a cutting-edge tech solution via post-it notes.”Laugh, learn, move on.
The Data Is No Joke
- 91% of executives believe humour is key to career success
- Humorous leaders are perceived as more competent and trustworthy
- Laughter enhances memory, decision-making and team cohesion
(Sources: Forbes, Warwick Business School, Harvard Business Review)
Let’s Leave on a High
As we at Humourology HQ always say:
Don’t just lead – levitate your leadership with levity.
Because let’s be honest: if your leadership can’t laugh, it might be on life support.
Want to become a better leader through humour? You know where to find us: Humourology.co where wit meets wisdom and meetings finally get more interesting.
See you next Tuesday.
Warmest,
Paul x
